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Ch.5 - Periodicity & Electronic Structure of Atoms
Chapter 5, Problem 88

Assign a set of four quantum numbers for the outermost two electrons in Sr.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Quantum Numbers

Quantum numbers are a set of four numbers that describe the unique quantum state of an electron in an atom. They include the principal quantum number (n), azimuthal quantum number (l), magnetic quantum number (m_l), and spin quantum number (m_s). Each electron in an atom is characterized by these quantum numbers, which determine its energy level, shape, orientation, and spin.
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Principal Quantum Number

Electron Configuration

Electron configuration refers to the distribution of electrons in an atom's orbitals. For strontium (Sr), which has an atomic number of 38, the electron configuration is [Kr] 5s². This indicates that the outermost two electrons occupy the 5s orbital, which is crucial for determining their quantum numbers.
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Pauli Exclusion Principle

The Pauli Exclusion Principle states that no two electrons in an atom can have the same set of four quantum numbers. This principle is essential for assigning quantum numbers to electrons, ensuring that each electron in the outermost shell of strontium has a unique combination of quantum numbers, particularly in terms of their spin.
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